Top 10 alternative Christmas
holiday ideas
Christmas is a-coming and what better way to celebrate than treating yourself to an alternative Christmas holiday? From winter activities & Northern Lights in Finland or Salsa dancing in Cuba, to investigating the archaeological sites of Jordan or taking an overland tour of Vietnam, we've compiled our top 10 tours that will have you ho-ho-hoeing all the way through to January.
Our Alternative Christmas Holidays
Finland winter activity holiday & Northern Lights
Discover this Finnish winter activity wilderness week
From
£1849 to £2349
8 days
inc UK flights
Southern India small group holiday
Discover the two southern most states of India
From
£2099 to £2549
15 days
inc UK flights
Costa Rica wildlife holiday
An amazing variety of Costa Rican wildlife
From
£3149 to £3899
16 days
inc UK flights
Antarctic Peninsula Cruises
An inspiring wilderness & wildlife journey of a lifetime
From
£4130 to £8930
11 days
ex flights
North Cyprus walking holiday
Varied walks amid rugged scenery and superb archaeology
From
£899 to £1299
8 days
inc UK flights
Botswana camping safaris
Botswana's premier game parks, Okavango Moremi Savuti Chobe
From
€1790
14 days
ex flights
Morocco cultural tour
Come and see Morocco's kaleidoscope of colours
From
£860 to £930
15 days
ex flights
Cuba cultural holiday
Immerse yourself in Cuban culture on this 8 day adventure
From
US $690
8 days
ex flights
Jordan holiday, a week in Jordan
A week to explore the spectacular sites and scenery of Jordan
From
£1749 to £1999
9 days
inc UK flights
Serengeti Trail, Kenya & Tanzania safari
Overland truck safari
From
£1380 to £1535
8 days
ex flights
New year Northern Lights & wildlife holiday, Sweden
Winter glamping, wildlife, dogsledding and Northern Lights!
From
€2400
8 days
ex flights
Classic Antarctica cruise & South Shetland Islands
Experience all that this remarkable area has to offer!
From
US $4860 to US $7990
11 days
ex flights
Namibia and Botswana safari holiday
Namibia & Botswana lodge safari Caprivi Etosha Okavango
From
€3380
21 days
ex flights
Cuba Christmas & New Year tour
Rumba in Cuba = the ideal way to party in the festive season
From
£755 to £775
11 days
ex flights
Petra and Wadi Rum by bike, Jordan
Cycling trip through stunning desert scenery
From
£1899 to £2149
9 days
inc UK flights
Amalfi Coast walking holiday, Italy
Walk in lemon groves and hillside villages
From
£1249 to £1649
8 days
inc UK flights
Christmas or New Year 2020 in Lapland
Magical snow holiday in northern Lapland at reasonable cost
From
€1264
5 days
ex flights
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica cruise
The Ultimate Antarctica Experience!
From
€10500 to €12400
21 days
ex flights
Zambia safari holiday, Xmas & New Year
Safari & Victoria Falls at Christmastime
From
£2345
9 days
ex flights
Namibia small group guided holiday and safari
A fabulous small group guided trip in Nambia
From
£3110 to £3575
12 days
ex flights
Southern Peru small group tour
Journey through south Peru, the heartland of the Inca Empire
From
£3386
14 days
ex flights
Rajasthan holiday, Christmas time
A relaxing trip to Rajasthan with mixed activities
From
£2855 to £2995
14 days
ex flights
Peru, Bolivia and Chile holiday
Action-packed short tour of Peru, Bolivia and Chile
From
£1716 to £2479
15 days
ex flights
Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Eight days of trekking on Africa's highest mountain
From
£4249 to £4649
12 days
inc UK flights
Small group tour to Cuba
Discover the fascinating diversity of Cuba
From
£890 to £935
20 days
ex flights
Holiday to Cuba
Cultural holiday covering the highlights of Cuba in one week
From
£569 to £619
8 days
ex flights
Sri Lanka holidays, tailor made
Independent tailor made holidays to Sri Lanka
From
£2145
15 days
inc UK flights
Oman highlights tour
Journey through Oman's ancient cities, mountains and deserts
From
£2795
12 days
ex flights
Mexico small group holiday, culture and nature
Explore the culture and nature of vibrant Mexico
From
£2698
15 days
ex flights
Inca Trail adventure holiday
Discover Cuzco and the Sacred Valley on this Incan adventure
From
£865 to £955
7 days
ex flights
1. Finland Winter Activity Holiday
Although observing the Aurora Borealis in Oulanka and Riisitunturi national parks at Christmas is going to be way better than any fairy lights, it's also good to know that Finnish Lapland is a fabulous location for lots of other outdoor activities, too. Snowmobile safaris, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, husky-sledding, ice climbing; you name it and you can add it to your alternative Christmas wish list.
Our top selling trip: Finland Winter Activity Holiday & Northern Lights
Read more: Finnish Lapland Travel Guide
Our top selling trip: Finland Winter Activity Holiday & Northern Lights
Read more: Finnish Lapland Travel Guide
2. Safaris in Namibia & Botswana
When granddad is snoring life can get boring, so bring on Botswana, because you know you want to. A three week overland expedition in southern Africa lets you experience the incredible natural highlights of Namibia and Botswana, with the chance to see Victoria Falls in Zambia, too. From Etosha National Park to the Okavango Delta, this is an amazing alternative to Christmas with the grandparents. Join a small group looking for an adventure rather than a comfy couch after the Queen’s speech.Our top selling trip: Namibia & Botswana Safari Holiday
Read more: Namibia & Botswana travel guide
3. Cultural highlights in Sri Lanka
Tailor make a two week tour of Sri Lanka during December and get ready to seek out spirituality and cultural traditions that are for life, not just for Christmas. Jeep safaris in Minneriya National Park and hikes up to the top of Sigiriya rock fortress are just a couple of the optional activities to get excited about in Sri Lanka with Buddhist temples and Hindu devales offering alternative perspectives of what you might have come to expect from this time of year.Our top selling trip: Sri Lanka Holiday, Tailor Made
Read more: Sri Lanka travel guide
4. Walking the Amalfi Coast in Italy
Enjoy a week of walking on the Amalfi Coast and you’ll find numerous authentic alternatives to pre-packaged panettone from the local supermarket. Comfortable temperatures at Christmas, and far fewer crowds, turn Italy’s southwest shores into a true treat for travellers keen to stride out. Swap after dinner strolls in dark parks for the Walk of the Gods overlooking the twinkling Tyrrhenian.
Our top selling trip: Amalfi Coast Walking Holiday, Italy
Read more: Amalfi Coast travel guide
Our top selling trip: Amalfi Coast Walking Holiday, Italy
Read more: Amalfi Coast travel guide
5. Ancient sites in Jordan
Picture Petra lit by candles at night and it’s easy to see why a Christmas holiday in Jordan offers an excellent alternative to fairy lights set to strobe mode. A nine day small group tour of Jordan is an ideal means of exploring this remarkable country without the intense heat of summer. From Amman and Jerash to Wadi Rum and Aqaba, if you’re tired of ticking off seasonal traditions then why not opt for ancient architecture and Bedouin hospitality instead?Our top selling trip: Jordan Holiday, A Week in Jordan
Read more: Jordan travel guide
6. Island exploration, the Galapagos Islands
If you fancy an alternative to tinsel and huge turkeys at Christmas why not consider turtles and giant tortoises as you stay on the unique Galapagos Islands off Ecuador. A 10 day tour, as part of a small group, offers an incredible alternative to traditional trimmings. Spend time on San Cristobal, Floreana, Isabela and Santa Cruz to see marine iguanas, sea lions and blue footed boobies – vastly more entertaining than the cat mucking about inside the wrapping paper again.Our top selling trip: Galapagos Land Based Adventure Holiday
Read more: Galapagos Land Based Travel Guide
Our top Alternative Christmas Holiday
Finland winter activity holiday & Northern Lights
Discover this Finnish winter activity wilderness week
From
£1849 to £2349
8 days
inc UK flights
Small group travel:
2021: 3 Jan, 10 Jan, 17 Jan, 24 Jan, 31 Jan, 7 Feb, 14 Feb, 21 Feb, 28 Feb, 7 Mar, 14 Mar, 21 Mar, 28 Mar, 4 Apr, 11 Apr, 18 Apr, 5 Dec, 12 Dec, 26 Dec
2022: 2 Jan, 9 Jan, 16 Jan, 23 Jan, 30 Jan, 6 Feb, 13 Feb, 20 Feb, 27 Feb, 6 Mar, 13 Mar, 20 Mar, 27 Mar, 3 Apr, 10 Apr, 17 Apr
2021: 3 Jan, 10 Jan, 17 Jan, 24 Jan, 31 Jan, 7 Feb, 14 Feb, 21 Feb, 28 Feb, 7 Mar, 14 Mar, 21 Mar, 28 Mar, 4 Apr, 11 Apr, 18 Apr, 5 Dec, 12 Dec, 26 Dec
2022: 2 Jan, 9 Jan, 16 Jan, 23 Jan, 30 Jan, 6 Feb, 13 Feb, 20 Feb, 27 Feb, 6 Mar, 13 Mar, 20 Mar, 27 Mar, 3 Apr, 10 Apr, 17 Apr
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Alternative Christmas or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
7. Game and gorillas in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda
Game drives and safari camps take the place of traffic jams and spare bedrooms when you head to East Africa for Christmas. Direct your seasonal greediness towards countries not mince pies, visiting three on a single festive small group tour. Game drives in Kenya’s Masai Mara and the compact parks of Uganda are crowned with trekking to see gorillas in Rwanda – surely the way to turn memories of December 25th completely on their head.
Our top selling trip: Gorilla Safari & The Masai Mara
Read more: Masai Mara Travel Guide and Gorilla Safaris Travel Guide
Our top selling trip: Gorilla Safari & The Masai Mara
Read more: Masai Mara Travel Guide and Gorilla Safaris Travel Guide
8. North to South in Vietnam
Take off for 10 days in Vietnam and get ready for a Christmas feast of fun and food to really savour. From Hanoi and Halong Bay to Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, a small group tour of Vietnam is all you need to escape colder climes and embrace the warmth of Southeast Asia. An overnight train ride and an internal flight make travelling efficient, ideal for anyone looking for an amazing Christmas introduction to Vietnam.Our top selling trip: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh Holiday in Vietnam
Read more: Vietnam Small Group travel guide
9. Salsa dancing in Cuba
Swap Strictly Come Dancing specials for Salsa dancing classes in the streets of Santiago de Cuba, with Christmas Day on the beach much more memorable than after dinner snoozing on the settee. A two week Christmas in Cuba holiday is an amazing alternative to the festive season back home and provides an opportunity to learn Spanish as well as the rumba, merengue and cha cha cha – darling – in the company of professional dancers, and without the comments of Craig Revel Borewood.Our top selling trip: Cuba Salsa Dance Holiday
Read more: Cuba cultural holidays travel guide
10. Hiking and exploring in Bolivia and Peru
Why not skip stocking hanging in favour of soaking up the sights and culture of Bolivia and Peru, on a South American adventure from Lima to La Paz, as part of a small group. Traditional Christmas festivities will pale into insignificance as you hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a few nights of basic camping along the way, while time spent in an Amazonian jungle lodge offers a serious alternative to the spare bed in the attic at Aunt Maud’s.Our top selling trip: Bolivia & Peru Tour
Read more: Bolivia & Peru travel guide
More about Alternative Christmas
Our Christmas holiday ideas guide gives you an escape clause including a choice of things to do on the big day.
If a Christmas break away from home sounds tempting, book before the summer’s over when there's time to bag a bargain and save some money.
Icelandic book floods, Ukrainian stargazing and misappropriated carols – we round up 12 of our favourite Christmas traditions.
Christmas dinner with Santa, sleigh rides, Northern lights shows – Lapland has mastered the art of Christmastime.
For years, Christmas was cancelled in Cuba. But, thanks to a visit from the pope, its popularity is growing again.
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